Preparing Your Home for Floor Sanding
What to do before we arrive
A little planning goes a long way when it comes to floor sanding. Most of our customers stay at home throughout the work, and the dust-free equipment we use keeps the rest of the house clean. This checklist will help you get the rooms ready.
Empty the floor
The floor needs to be completely clear before sanding can begin. That includes furniture, rugs, plants, curtains that touch the floor and anything stored under beds or sofas. If some items are too heavy to move, mention it when booking and we will plan accordingly. Tie up or remove long curtains so they stay clear of the edges.
Carpets and old coverings
If your floor is currently under carpet, vinyl or laminate, decide whether you want to remove it yourself or have us do it. Removing carpet yourself can save money, but take care with the gripper strips, staples and tacks, which can be sharp. Do not worry about every last staple; we remove any that remain during preparation.
Practical checklist
Empty the room completely.
Remove or tie up floor-length curtains.
Move fragile ornaments from nearby shelves.
Arrange nearby parking for our van if possible.
Let us know about any underfloor pipes, cables or heating.
Plan where pets and children will be during the work.
Switch off underfloor heating in advance if you have it.
Living at home during the work
Sanding machines are loud and the room will be out of use for a while, so it is best to keep pets and young children well away from the work area. Many customers arrange a day out, or keep pets in another part of the house. If the room is a thoroughfare, we will plan another route before we start.
Heating, ventilation and drying
Finishes dry best in a room that is comfortably warm and has some ventilation. Keep the heating on at a normal level, but avoid running fans or heaters aimed directly at the floor. If you have underfloor heating, keep it off and bring it back slowly once the finish has cured.
Decisions to make before the day
It helps to think about the finish before work begins. Do you prefer the natural look of oil or the extra protection of lacquer? Would you like a matt, satin or gloss sheen, and are you considering a stain? If you are not sure yet, we will happily show you samples and explain the differences. For stained floors, we apply test patches on the sanded boards, so you will need a little time to choose before we continue.
Repairs and extras
If you know the floor has damaged boards, squeaks or wide gaps, mention them when you book. That way we can bring matching reclaimed timber and plan enough time for repairs. Doors may also need adjusting if the floor height changes after carpet removal, so it is worth planning for this.
What happens first
When the team arrives, we will walk through the room with you, confirm the plan and check anything that needs special care. After protecting the surrounding areas, we set up and start preparation. You are welcome to check in at any time and ask questions as the work progresses.
Key points to remember
Empty the floor entirely, moving furniture, rugs, plants and long curtains well out of the way.
Tell us beforehand about heavy items, underfloor heating, hidden services or any repairs you need.
Sort out parking for our van and make sure pets and young children have somewhere safe to be.
Decide on your finish, sheen level and any stain in advance to avoid delays on the day.
Allow time afterwards for the finish to cure before putting furniture and rugs back.
Once the floor is finished
Once the final coat is on, give it time. You can usually walk on it in socks after a few hours, replace furniture after 24–48 hours and lay rugs after roughly a week. Fit felt pads to furniture legs before putting anything back.
Have a question about getting ready? Our frequently asked questions cover many of the details, or you can contact our Kingston team for advice.